Brief history of Graphics & Urban art
Graphics & art have been used throughout history as a way of accurately recording events for future use. This principal focus of graphics has slowly moved from pure functionally to a combination of purpose and pleasure. This fundamental shift in the use of graphics has spurred artists to create art that solely caters to peoples varying desires.
Examples of Graphics & Urban Arts
Below is a list of examples where used:
- Graffiti
- Street Art
- Tattooing
- Clothing design
- Advertising campaigns and materials
- Point of sale material
- Promotional literature and sales campaigns
- Company / Brand identity
- Web design
- Packaging materials
Getting started in Graphics & Urban Arts
Becoming an artist or designer is a great way to express creativity and explore the power of visual impact. Choosing the style of graphics and the types of art you would like to create is an important first step, because it allows you to identify people and resources that can help you.
Places you can find help to get started
Examples of where you should find the help you need to get started are:
- The internet
- Local schools and colleges
- Youth centres
- Other local artists
- Leading design agencies
If you still need help getting started in graphics and urban art our forum is great way to talk directly to other designers on how they got started.
Equipment
Once you have mastered the basics, you may want to invest in some of the following bits of equipment to develop and explore your graphic design skills.
- Computer
- Design software e.g Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw
- Camera
- Sketch pad
- Canvas
- Drawing materials
- Spray paints
- Chalks
- Urban art, typography and graphic design reference books.
Leading progressive Designers and Urban artists
These include:
- Bast – Brooklyn based artist who is famed for his wheat-paste art that is all over New York City, especially in SOHO. Click here for examples of his work
- Banksy – British based street & graffiti artist who skilfully combines graffiti writing with a distinct stencilling technique. The artwork that he creates is often influenced by politics, culture and ethics. Click here for examples of his work
- Frank ‘Shepard Fairey’ – is one of the worlds leading street artists who first came to fame because of his ‘Andre the Giant has a posse’ sticker campaigns. His style is unique and requires him to draw from his backgrounds in skateboarding, graphic design and illustration. Click here for examples of his work
- Dave Kinsey – lives and works in LA and his impulsive style is influenced by his love of portraying human life through urban figures. He creates his art by using a range of mediums on textured environments. Click here for examples of his work
- Nick Walker – London based artist who is celebrated for his ability to combine stencils with free hand art to create photo style imagery that encompasses the rawness of conventional graffiti. Click here for examples of his work
Some of the other leading urban artists include Faile, D * Face, Jose Parla & Blek Le Rat.
Leading Graphics and Urban Art organisations & associations
Below are some examples:
Notsheep Recommends
We recommend the following:
- Talking to schools and colleges about ways you can learn and develop your passions for graphics and urban art.
- Researching the internet to discover the latest graphic trends and styles of urban art.
- Visiting urban art galleries and shows such as the Urban paint show in Bristol, UK.
- Practicing your art as often as possible
- Talking to your local council to find out legal places where you can practice and display your art
- Experiment using different art materials to find a look and feel that compliments your style of graphics or urban